Preview: Gophers basketball vs. Richmond

November 17, 2012 - 6:54 PM

Gophers at a glance: After three consecutive blowouts, Richmond should give this talented Gophers team a run for its money. The Spiders' guard-oriented team specializes in three-pointers, an area of the Gophers defense that has been lacking in the past. The Gophers should have the size advantage inside and will look to assert their dominance in the paint. The Gophers will also need to take better care of the ball, as they have had 17 or more turnovers in two of their three games. Rodney Williams, among the team's most consistent players so far, is coming off a 15-point, seven-rebound performance against Tennessee State.

Richmond at a glance: The Spiders come to Minneapolis as the best competition the Gophers have faced thus far. Richmond, which returns six players from a Sweet Sixteen run two years ago, has gotten out to a 3-0 start, but hasn't really been tested yet. Senior Darien Brothers leads the team with 19.7 points a game and eight three-pointers. The Spiders have made 30 three-pointers as a team (opponents have sunk just 11) and have been ultra-efficient, making 41 percent of their shots from that range.